U.S. patent number 6,342,692 [Application Number 09/587,951] was granted by the patent office on 2002-01-29 for thermal device for maintaining the temperature of body extremities.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Crazy Creek Products. Invention is credited to Robert D. Hart, Anita A. Perkins.
United States Patent |
6,342,692 |
Hart , et al. |
January 29, 2002 |
Thermal device for maintaining the temperature of body
extremities
Abstract
A thermal device for maintaining the temperature of body
extremities is provided. The device includes a pocket adapted to
receive a heating element and a strap attached to the pocket such
that the device is adapted to encircle and be secured around a
portion of the human body. The pocket has a tri-fold configuration
formed from a rear panel, a front panel, and an intermediate panel
positioned atop one another, the intermediate panel being
positioned between the front panel and the rear panel. Each of the
three panels is connected along their respective vertical side
edges. The first horizontal edges of the front panel and the rear
panel are fixedly attached forming a first open space between the
front panel and the intermediate panel and the second horizontal
edges of the rear panel and the intermediate panel are fixedly
attached forming a second open space therebetween. In operation, a
heating element is inserted into the first open space and
maneuvered around the first horizontal edge of the intermediate
panel until it rests within the second open space of the pocket
between the rear and intermediate panels. The device is then placed
on the user with the rear panel of the pocket positioned on the
interior surface of the wrist and secured in place with the
strap.
Inventors: |
Hart; Robert D. (Red Lodge,
MT), Perkins; Anita A. (Anaconda, MT) |
Assignee: |
Crazy Creek Products (Red
Lodge, MT)
|
Family
ID: |
24351845 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/587,951 |
Filed: |
June 6, 2000 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
219/528; 219/544;
607/109; 607/114 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05B
3/00 (20130101); H05B 3/342 (20130101); A61F
7/02 (20130101); A61F 2007/0231 (20130101); H05B
2203/036 (20130101); A61F 2007/0035 (20130101); A61F
2007/023 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H05B
3/00 (20060101); H05B 3/34 (20060101); H05B
003/34 () |
Field of
Search: |
;219/211,212,217,527,528,529,544,545,549
;607/108,109,110,111,112,114 ;602/2,14 ;604/291 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Walberg; Teresa
Assistant Examiner: Dahbour; Fadi H.
Claims
We claim:
1. A thermal device for maintaining the temperature of body
extremities, comprising:
a pocket, said pocket adapted to receive a heating element and
having a tri-fold configuration formed from a rear panel, a front
panel, and an intermediate panel positioned atop one another,
wherein said intermediate panel is positioned between said front
panel and said rear panel, each said panel having a first and
second vertical side edge, the first vertical side edges of each
said panel being fixedly attached to one another forming a first
side junction and the second vertical side edges of each said panel
being fixedly attached to one another forming a second side
junction,
wherein each said panel includes a first horizontal edge and a
second horizontal edge, the first horizontal edge of each of said
front panel and said rear panel being fixedly attached forming a
first open space between said front panel and said intermediate
panel and the second horizontal edge of each of said rear panel and
said intermediate panel being fixedly attached forming a second
open space therebetween, and wherein said heating element is
removably secured within said second open space solely by the
tri-fold configuration formed from said rear panel, said front
panel and said intermediate panel; and
a strap attached to said pocket and being adapted to encircle and
be secured around a portion of the human body.
2. A thermal device as specified in claim 1, wherein said front
panel, said rear panel, and said intermediate panel are formed from
a single, continuous length of material.
3. A thermal device as specified in claim 2, wherein said first and
second vertical side edges of said intermediate panel are of a
shorter vertical length than said first and second vertical side
edges of said rear panel.
4. A thermal device as specified in claim 1, wherein said strap is
formed from a resilient material.
5. A thermal device as specified in claim 1, wherein said strap is
formed of a first portion at least partially formed of a hook and
loop material and a second portion at least partially formed of a
complementary hook and loop material, wherein said first and second
portions cooperate to form an adjustable strap.
6. A thermal device for maintaining the temperature of body
extremities, comprising:
a front panel having first and second horizontal edges;
a rear panel having first and second horizontal edges;
an intermediate panel having first and second horizontal edges,
wherein said front, rear and intermediate panels are positioned
atop one another, and wherein said intermediate panel is positioned
between said front panel and said rear panel,
wherein the first horizontal edge of each of said front panel and
said rear panel are at least partially attached forming a first
pocket between said front panel and said intermediate panel, said
first pocket having a first opening therein, and wherein the second
horizontal edge of each of said rear panel and said intermediate
panel are at least partially attached forming a second pocket
therebetween, said second pocket having a second opening
therein,
wherein the device is adapted to receive a heating element inserted
through said opening in said first pocket, maneuvered around said
first horizontal edge of said intermediate panel and subsequently
inserted through said opening in said second pocket, and wherein
said heating element is adapted to be removably secured within said
solely by the positioning of said rear panel, said front panel and
said intermediate panel atop one another; and
a strap attached to at least one of said panels and being adapted
to encircle and be secured around a portion of the human body.
7. A thermal device as specified in claim 6, wherein said front
panel, said rear panel, and said intermediate panel are formed from
a single, continuous length of material.
8. A thermal device as specified in claim 7, wherein each of said
front, rear and intermediate panels further comprises:
a first vertical side edge; and
a second vertical side edge, wherein the first vertical side edges
of each said panel are at least partially attached to one another,
and wherein the second vertical side edges of each said panel are
at least partially attached to one another.
9. A thermal device as specified in claim 8, wherein said first and
second vertical side edges of said intermediate panel are of a
shorter vertical length than said first and second vertical side
edges of said rear panel.
10. A thermal device as specified in claim 6, wherein said strap is
formed from a resilient material.
11. A thermal device as specified in claim 6, wherein said strap is
formed of a first portion, wherein said first portion is at least
partially formed of a hook and loop material and a second portion,
wherein said second portion is at least partially formed of a
complementary hook and loop material, and wherein said first and
second portions cooperate to form an adjustable strap.
12. A thermal device for maintaining the temperature of body
extremities, comprising:
a containing body having a front, a rear, and an intermediate body
positioned atop one another, wherein said intermediate body is
positioned between said front body and said rear body forming a
first open space between said front body and said intermediate body
and a second open space between said intermediate body and said
rear body,
a heating element removably secured within said second open space
solely by said rear body, said front body and said intermediate
body; and
a strap attached to said containing body and being adapted to
encircle and be secured around a portion of the human body.
13. A thermal device as specified in claim 12, wherein said front,
rear and intermediate bodies are formed from a single, continuous
length of material.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to a thermal device for maintaining the
temperature of body extremities. More specifically, this invention
relates to a device for supplying heat to targeted regions of the
human body to prevent the constriction of blood vessels in those
regions in cold temperature conditions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Numerous outdoor activities, both occupational and leisurely,
require manual dexterity. While the ambient temperature generally
presents little problem in warm weather, as the outdoor temperature
decreases, the temperature of body extremities also decreases
making the effective manipulation of the hands and feet
increasingly difficult. Impaired agility may be simply a minor
annoyance to one trying to enjoy recreational activity, but it can
present a serious safety hazard to one working, for example, with
heavy machinery or electrical lines and equipment. Similarly, the
safety of extreme athletes that climb mountains, for example, in
temperatures often well below the freezing point, is jeopardized
when they cannot effectively utilize their extremities.
Various paraphernalia, such as gloves, mittens, insulated socks and
the like, is available to increase or maintain the temperature of
the hands and feet in cold conditions. While effective for their
intended purpose, these items often are bulky and cumbersome. Even
in the best case scenario (e.g., a thin, insulated mitten or sock),
there is an impediment to the wearer's sense of touch which may
present substantial safety hazards in itself. Accordingly, finding
an alternative for warming or maintaining the temperature of the
hands and feet without the use of such protective coverings has
been an on-going challenge for those who spend much of their time
out of doors. One alternative that has shown much promise is
thermal regulation of the blood and blood vessels flowing into the
body extremities.
Constriction of the blood vessels (i.e., a decrease in the diameter
of the vessels) is a natural human response when portions of the
anatomy are exposed to temperatures cooler than the temperature of
the body. Constricted blood vessels naturally carry less blood
through them. If the constricted vessels flow into the extremities,
the decrease in blood flow to the extremity leads to a
corresponding decrease in the temperature of the extremity.
Therefore, if constriction of the blood vessels in cold temperature
conditions can be minimized, the temperature of the extremity into
which the blood vessels flow can be maintained at a more constant
level. This is the goal of thermal regulation.
Thermal regulation is simply regulating the temperature of a region
of the body through the use of heat or cold. Certain regions of the
body are known to respond particularly well to this type of
stimulus. For example, regions of the body in which the blood
vessels are located close to the skin surface respond particularly
well to thermal treatment. The application of heat to these
temperature responsive regions decreases constriction of the blood
vessels in those regions, even in cold temperature conditions. If
the vessels are not constricted but instead remain in a more
dilated state, the amount of blood flowing through them stays more
consistent. A blood flow which remains relatively consistent will
maintain the temperature of the extremity through which it is
flowing virtually at a constant level.
The radial and ulnar arteries are the primary source of blood flow
to the hands. These arteries, or the larger arteries which supply
them with blood, run continuously from the heart to the hands. At
the wrist, just prior to entering the hand region, the vessels
emerge and run relatively close to the surface of the skin making
the wrist a thermally responsive region for maintaining the
temperature of the hands. Accordingly, heat applied to the skin at
the wrist will effectively decrease constriction of the radial and
ulnar arteries. Allowing the radial and ulnar arteries to remain in
a more dilated state aids in maintaining the hands at a temperature
more closely approximating normal body temperature, even in cold
ambient conditions. This allows for more consistent dexterity of
the hands.
In order to effectively utilize thermal regulation in lieu of
protective hand coverings, heat must be applied to the wrist in a
manner that allows hands-free use. Further, the means for applying
heat must be portable and of slight construction such that it does
not significantly impair movement of the wrist region where it is
applied. Prior attempts have been made to construct a portable
thermal device which may be secured around the wrist of the user
offering hands-free application of heat to the skin. However, many
such devices contain metallic or plastic parts such as zippers,
snaps or buckles which can conduct heat away from the intended
region. Such devices also are often bulky significantly restricting
movement of the wrist. Further, they are frequently of complicated
construction and are not adaptable to the inexpensive heating
elements with which those in need of such a device already are
familiar.
Accordingly, there remains a need in the field of thermal
regulation for a portable thermal device to be worn by a user which
contains no plastic or metal parts and that does not significantly
impede movement of the extremity being treated. Further, a device
is needed into which a known, inexpensive heating element easily
may be incorporated. The primary objective of this invention is to
meet these needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a
thermal device for maintaining the temperature of body extremities
which is portable and of quality, inexpensive construction.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a thermal
device for maintaining the temperature of body extremities which
allows hands-free use.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a thermal
device which is void of plastic or metal components.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
thermal device for maintaining the temperature of body extremities
into which a known heating element may be incorporated.
Still further, it is an object of the present invention to provide
a thermal device for maintaining the temperature of body
extremities which does not significantly impede movement of the
portion of the body to which it is applied.
Accordingly, the present invention provides for a thermal device
for maintaining the temperature of body extremities which includes
a pocket adapted to receive a heating element and a strap attached
to the pocket such that the device is adapted to encircle and be
secured around a portion of the body. The pocket has a tri-fold
configuration formed from a rear panel, a front panel, and an
intermediate panel stacked atop one another, the intermediate panel
being positioned between the front panel and the rear panel. Each
of the three panels has a first and second vertical side edge.
The first vertical side edges of each panel are fixedly attached to
one another as are the second vertical side edges of each panel.
Each of the three panels also has a first and a second horizontal
edge. The first horizontal edge of each of the front panel and the
rear panel are fixedly attached to one another forming a first open
space between the front panel and the intermediate panel, and the
second horizontal edge of each of the rear panel and the
intermediate panel are fixedly attached to one another forming a
second open space therebetween. In operation, a heating element is
inserted into an opening into the first open space and maneuvered
around the first horizontal edge of the intermediate panel until it
rests within the second open space of the pocket between the rear
and intermediate panels. The device is then placed on the user with
the pocket positioned on the interior surface of the wrist and
secured in place with the strap allowing for hands-free use.
The invention also provides for a thermal device for maintaining
the temperature of body extremities which includes a front panel, a
rear panel, and an intermediate panel, and a strap attached to at
least one of the panels and adapted to encircle and be secured
around a portion of the body. Each panel has a first and a second
horizontal edge. The intermediate panel is positioned between the
front panel and the rear panel forming a first pocket between the
front panel and the intermediate panel and a second pocket between
the rear panel and the intermediate panel, each pocket having an
opening therein and being adapted to receive a heating element. The
first horizontal edges of each of the front panel and rear panel
are at least partially attached and the first horizontal edges of
each of the rear and intermediate panels are at least partially
attached. In operation, a heating element is inserted in the
opening into the first pocket and maneuvered around the first
horizontal edge of the intermediate panel until it rests within the
second pocket between the rear and intermediate panels. The device
is then placed on the user with the pocket positioned on the
interior surface of the wrist and secured in place with the strap
allowing for hands-free use.
The invention further provides for a thermal device for maintaining
the temperature of body extremities which includes a containing
body having front, rear and intermediate bodies, and a strap
attached to the containing body such that the device is adapted to
encircle and be secured around a portion of the body. The
intermediate body is positioned between the front and rear bodies
forming a first open space between the front body and the
intermediate body and a second open space between the intermediate
body and the rear body. In the preferred embodiment, the front,
rear and intermediate bodies are formed from a single, continuous
length of material.
Additional objects of the invention, together with the advantages
and novel features appurtenant thereto, will be set forth in part
in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent
to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or
may be learned from the practice of the invention. The objects and
advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means,
instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the accompanying drawings which form a part of the specification
and are to be read in conjunction therewith and in which like
reference numerals are employed to indicate like parts in the
various views:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a thermal device positioned on the
interior surface of the wrist of a user;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the thermal device in accordance
with a preferred embodiment of the invention positioned on the
wrist of a user as shown in FIG. 1, viewed from the back side of
the wrist;
FIG. 3 is a top view of the thermal device taken along line 3--3 of
FIG. 1 in the direction of the arrows;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the thermal device taken along
line 4--4 of FIG. 3 in the direction of the arrows;
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the thermal device illustrating the
tri-fold configuration of the pocket; and
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the thermal device taken along
line 6--6 of FIG. 4 in the direction of the arrows.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to the drawings in greater detail, a thermal device
designated generally by the numeral 10 is shown. Thermal device 10
has a fabric pocket 12 to which at least one strap 14 is suitably
fastened. Pocket 12 is adapted to receive a heating element 16 and
includes at least one opening for inserting and removing the
heating element as more fully will be described below. Pocket 12 is
of a tri-fold configuration which is formed from a front panel or
body 18, a rear panel or body 20 and an intermediate panel or body
22. The panels are stacked atop one another with intermediate panel
22 positioned between front panel 18 and rear panel 20. The fabric
which forms pocket 12 preferably includes an external surface which
is of a texture comfortable to the touch since when in use it is in
contact with the user's skin. Pocket 12 may be of any desired shape
but is preferably an elongated rectangle of sufficient size for
receiving a standard chemical hand warming device.
Each of front panel 18, rear panel 20 and intermediate panel 22, is
preferably formed of an elongated rectangular shape. (For clarity
of description, the elongated sides of the rectangle will be
referred to as "horizontal" sides and the shorter sides will be
referred to as "vertical" sides. Likewise, when speaking of the
"top" and "bottom" edges, the "bottom" will be that which is
closest to the hand when the preferred embodiment is viewed in
operational placement on the interior of the wrist, the palm of the
hand oriented toward the face. The "top" edge is the edge closest
the body when the hand is in this orientation.) Each panel includes
first and second vertical side edges. While each of the three
panels is of approximately equal size, in the preferred embodiment,
the first and second vertical side edges of intermediate panel 22
are of shorter vertical length than the first and second vertical
side edges of rear panel 20. It is preferred that the first and
second vertical side edges of intermediate panel 22 are about
25-50% shorter than the respective vertical side edges of rear
panel 20. More preferably, the first and second vertical side edges
of intermediate panel 22 are about 30% shorter than the vertical
side edges of rear panel 20. In the preferred embodiment, the first
vertical side edges of each of the three panels are fixedly
attached to one another, at least partially, by any suitable means,
for example, stitching, to form a first side junction. Likewise,
the second vertical side edges of each of the three panels are
fixedly attached to one another, at least partially, by any
suitable means to form a second side junction. It is to be
understood, however, that the scope of the present invention covers
a device in which the vertical side edges of the panels are not
fixedly attached.
Each of the front, rear and intermediate panels, 18, 20 and 22,
also includes a first horizontal edge and a second horizontal edge.
The first horizontal edges of each panel are aligned forming a
first horizontal edge of the device and the second horizontal edges
of each panel are aligned forming a second horizontal edge of the
device. The second horizontal edge of front panel 18 and the first
horizontal edge of intermediate panel 22 preferably include
supplemental lengths of material which are folded under and secured
by any suitable means, for example, stitching, to form edges which
are smooth and free from imperfections which may snag or tear. The
first horizontal edge of each of front panel 18 and rear panel 20
are fixedly attached to one another, at least partially, by
stitching or the like to form a first open space between the front
panel 18 and the intermediate panel 22. The second horizontal edge
of each of rear panel 20 and intermediate panel 22 are fixedly
attached to one another, at least partially, by stitching or the
like to form a second open space therebetween.
This structure permits a device having two open spaces with the
openings thereto at opposed edges of the device; the first open
space having an opening positioned near the second horizontal edge
of the device and the second open space having an opening
positioned near the first horizontal edge of the device. However,
as the opening to the second open space is enclosed between the
front and rear panels 18 and 20, it is accessible only from inside
of the first open space. Therefore, this structure permits a device
having two open spaces in communication with one another housed
within a single pocket 12, only one of the spaces having an opening
which is exposed to the external environment. The structure thus
described provides for secure placement of heating element 16
without the need for fastening means such as snaps, buckles,
zippers or the like. If the vertical side edges of intermediate
panel 22 are shorter than the corresponding vertical side edges of
rear panel 20 as in the preferred embodiment, the opening into
second open space is enlarged making access thereto simpler. In the
preferred embodiment, the first horizontal edge corresponds with
the bottom of the device and the second horizontal edge corresponds
with the top of the device as viewed when the device is in
operational placement on the wrist, hands at the user's sides. It
is to be understood, however, that the device also may be used with
the first horizontal edge corresponding with the top of the device
and the second horizontal edge corresponding with the bottom of the
device.
In the preferred embodiment, front panel 18, rear panel 20 and
intermediate panel 22 are formed from a continuous length of
material folded over itself to form the elongated,
rectangularly-shaped panels necessary for the tri-fold
configuration of pocket 12. While in the preferred embodiment the
panels still are fixedly attached along their respective vertical
side edges by way of stitching or the like, the continuous length
of material eliminates the need for stitching together the first
horizontal edges of front and rear panels 18 and 20 and the second
horizontal edges of rear and intermediate panels 20 and 22.
Supplemental lengths of material are folded under and stitched at
each of the horizontal ends of the length of material. Once folded
in the desired manner, these ends will represent the first
horizontal edge of intermediate panel 22 and the second horizontal
edge of front panel 18.
Strap 14 is attached to pocket 12 such that the device is adapted
to encircle and be secured around a portion of the body. In a first
embodiment (not shown), strap 14 may be formed of a continuous
length of material which has elastic, resilient properties. One
such suitable material is lycra. In this embodiment, strap 14 is
formed of a rectangular shape having first and second horizontal
edges and first and second vertical edges. In most instances, the
vertical edges are of shorter overall length than the horizontal
edges forming an elongated rectangular shape. However, it only is
necessary that the horizontal edges be of a length suitable, when
strap 14 is attached to pocket 12, for the device to encircle and
be secured around the desired portion of the user's body.
The first and second vertical edges of the strap should approximate
the length of the vertical side edges of front panel 18 and rear
panel 20. In a preferred embodiment, the vertical edges of strap 14
are of lesser vertical length than the vertical side edges of the
front and rear panels 18 and 20. The first vertical edge of the
strap is attached to the pocket portion 12 at the first side
junction and the second vertical edge is attached to the pocket
portion 12 at the second side junction by any suitable means known
in the art, such as stitching or the like. Each of the first and
second vertical edges of the strap should be generally centered
relative to the corresponding side junction such that strap 14 is
approximately centered on pocket 12. This structure permits a
device that may be stretched to slip over the hand of the user but
returns to its original size and shape once in place on the wrist.
The device is thus secured in place with the thermal device being
held in appropriate position on the interior surface of the wrist
of the user.
In an alternative embodiment, strap 14 may be formed of a first
strap portion 24 and a second strap portion 26 as shown in FIGS. 2
and 3. Each portion of strap 14 is rectangular in shape with a
first and a second horizontal edge and a first and second vertical
edge. In most instances, the horizontal edges of each strap portion
are longer than the corresponding vertical edges. However, it only
is necessary that the combined length of the horizontal edges of
first and second strap portions 24 and 26, when attached to pocket
12, be suitable for the device to encircle and be secured around
the desired portion of the user's body. The vertical edges should
approximate the length of the vertical edges of front and rear
panels 18 and 20. In the preferred embodiment, the vertical edges
of strap portions 24 and 26 are of a lesser vertical length than
the vertical edges of the front and rear panels 18 and 20.
The first vertical edge of first strap portion 24 is fixedly
attached to the first side junction of pocket 12 by any suitable
means known in the art, such as stitching or the like. Likewise,
the first vertical edge of second strap portion 26 is fixedly
attached to the second side junction of pocket 12 by stitching or
the like. It is preferred that strap portions 24, 26 be attached to
the corresponding side junctions such that strap 14 is generally
centered on pocket 12. First strap portion 24 is at least partially
formed of a hook and loop material 28 and second strap portion 26
is at least partially formed of a complementary hook and loop
material 30. Accordingly, the two strap portions cooperate to form
an adjustable strap that is removably secured in place on the wrist
of the user. The hook and loop material and its complement
preferably are VELCRO (.TM.). When the device is in position, first
and second strap portions 24 and 26 are removably attached for
holding the thermal device in place on the wrist of the user.
In operation, a heating element 16 is placed inside the pocket 12
of the thermal device 10 of the present invention. The heating
element 16 is inserted into pocket 12 by moving it through the
opening to first open space, maneuvering the heating element 16
around the first horizontal edge of intermediate panel 22 into
second open space. When in place, the heating element 16 should be
positioned such that it rests within the second open space between
rear panel 20 and intermediate panel 22. Preferably, heating
element 16 is inserted into pocket 12 prior to placement of the
device on the wrist of the user. A well-known heating element which
is suitable for use in the present invention is the Hand Warmer
manufactured by GRABBER MYCOAL(.TM.).
In the first embodiment, once heating element 16 is placed inside
pocket 12, strap 14 is stretched and the device is placed over the
hand of the user. Once the device is positioned around the user's
wrist, the strap is released. The resilient properties of strap 14
will cause it to return generally to its initial size and shape
prior to stretching thus holding the device securely in place. The
rear panel 20 of pocket 12 is positioned on the interior surface of
the user's wrist generally over the area under which the radial and
ulnar arteries flow. If upon release of strap 14 pocket 12 is not
so positioned, the device may be moved around the user's wrist
until the desired positioning is achieved. If the device is not
sufficiently tight to remain secure through the user's various
movements, or for the user's comfort, clothing or the like may be
placed over the device once it is placed in the desired
position.
In the alternative embodiment, once heating element 16 is placed
inside pocket 12, the hook-and-loop fasteners 28,30 on the first
and second strap portions 24 and 26 are separated such that strap
14 is opened for placement around the user's wrist. The rear panel
20 of pocket 12 is placed on the interior surface of the user's
wrist and the second vertical edges of each of first and second
strap portions 24 and 26, are extended around to the back of the
wrist and overlapped such that the hook-and-loop material 28 of
first strap portion 24 and the complementary hook-and-loop material
30 of second strap portion 26 engage one another and secure the
device in place. Pocket 12 is then moved around the user's wrist
until it overlays the user's radial and ulnar arteries as in the
first embodiment. If at any time device 10 needs to be tightened on
the user's wrist, the first and second strap portions 24 and 26 are
unhooked and then hooked again so that the overall length of strap
14 is shortened around the user's wrist. For the user's comfort,
clothing or the like may be placed over the device once it is
placed in the desired position.
In accordance with the above positioning of the preferred
embodiment, heating element 16 is separated from the user's skin by
only a single layer of material. To decrease the amount of heat
applied to the skin, the device may be inverted on the wrist of the
user such that the front panel rests on the interior of the wrist
and the rear panel faces outwardly, i.e., toward the user when the
palm of the hand is positioned toward the user's face. In this
embodiment, two layers of material, the front panel and the
intermediate panel, separate heating element 16 from the user's
skin. To further decrease the amount of heat applied to the skin a
sleeve or the like may be placed between the device and the skin of
the user.
When utilized to maintain the temperature of the extremities, the
thermal device of the present invention preferably is worn in pairs
on opposing members of the body, for example, one on each wrist or
one on each ankle, etc. The device, however, may be used singly, as
desired. It is to be understood that the device is not limited to
thermally regulating body extremities and may, in fact, be altered
to any desired size and shape to regulate any desired portion of
the anatomy. For example, as the kidneys are an area of significant
blood flow, a torso-sized device may be made which applies heat to
the lower back to minimize constriction of the vessels flowing to
the kidneys. In the preferred embodiment, the thermal device is
placed on the wrist of the user as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and
2.
Constructed and operated as previously described, this invention
provides a portable, localized thermal device which minimizes
constriction of the blood vessels in varying temperature
conditions. The device is of quality, inexpensive construction and
is void of plastic or metal components which may conduct heat away
from the intended region of the user's anatomy. The device is of
slight construction and thus does not significantly impede movement
of the portion of the body to which it is applied. Further, the
strap secures the device in place on the user allowing for
hands-free use. The device also is adaptable to chemical heating
elements which are known to those in the art.
From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well
adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth
together with other advantages which are obvious and which are
inherent to the device.
It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are
of utility and may be employed without reference to other features
and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the
scope of the claims.
Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention
without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood
that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying
drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting
sense.
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